Live Broomfield Hospital norovirus outbreak: All wards closed until further notice

Broomfield Hospital has closed all wards to the public due to an outbreak norovirus.

Described by the National Health Service as the "vomiting bug", the virus a common occurrence as the winter draws in.

The Chelmsford hospital confirmed the news on Twitter at 1pm today (November 25).

Mid Essex Hospital Services NHS Trust tweeted: "Due to Norovirus outbreak, we have taken the decision to close all wards at Broomfield Hospital to visitors until further notice.

"The only exceptions will be on compassionate grounds, at the discretion of the nurse in charge of the ward."

Many family and friends of patients at the hospital have been turned away due to the outbreak.

This comes after Chelmsford City Council issued a warning about the highly contagious sickness bug earlier this week (November 19).

Broomfield Hospital, Chelmsford.

They reminded people not to attend Mid Essex Hospital Services NHS Trust, their GP surgery or care homes if they have experienced diarrhoea and/or vomiting. They urged people to stay at home until 48 hours after symptoms were clear.

Effective hand washing is a key measure. Hands should be washed at all appropriate times, such as before eating and preparing food, and after using the toilet or helping others (e.g. changing nappies).

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The full statement from Mid Essex Hospital Trust

A statement on the MEHT website reads: “Due to a number of wards being affected by Norovirus, we have taken the decision to close all wards at Broomfield Hospital to visitors until further notice.

“This decision has been taken to contain the outbreak and to ensure the safety of all our elderly and sick patients.